1930s: Jazzing the Big Apple

Smashed Potatoes

"Smashed potatoes" was, originally, another way of saying "mashed potatoes." The term "smashed potatoes" has been cited in print since at least 1859. The books Maine…

Smashed Saturday

"Smashed Saturday" is a drinking slang name for a day of the week. Alcoholic drinks are sold on this day, often at a reduced price. “Smashed Saturday” has been cited in print since at…

Smiley Face

Smiling faces have existed for a very long time, but who invented the "smiley"? In 1962-63, WMCA's 'Good Guys" radio station had a logo of a "smiley" -- a…

Smoke-Eater; Smoke-Chewer

"Smoke-eaters" are firefighters, also known as New York's "Bravest." "Smoke-chewer" isn't used today, but the 1884 citation below is interesting.…

Smoke-vide (smoke + sous-vide)

"Smoke-vide" (smoke + sous-vide) is a seemingly unlikely combination of cooking styles. The award-winning IQUE barbecue team of Andy Husbands -- also the chef/owner of Tremont 647 (647…

Smonday (Sunday + Monday)

"Smonday" is a portmanteau of the words "Sunday" and "Monday." "Smonday: The moment when Sunday stops feeling like a Sunday and the anxiety of Monday kicks…

Snaccident (snack + accident)

"Snaccident" (snack + accident) was entered in the Urban Dictionary on May 16, 2007, defined as "When food (a snack) is consumed in an accidental, often regrettable way." Rob…

Snackrifice (snack + sacrifice)

"Snackrifice" (snack + sacrifice) is the sacrifice of a snack (because of dietary or other concerns). The term "snackrifice" was popularized in 2009 in a trademarked ad campaign…

Snackwave

"Snackwave" was coined by Hazel Cills and Gabrielle Noone, as explained in this tweet on December 15, 2013 from Cills: "last night @twelveoclocke and I coined 'snackwave'…